Dynamic Game Symbol Weighting Sets for Reel Strip Probability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reel-type wagering games with additional special symbols often dilute the probabilities of achieving winning combinations, leading to player discouragement due to infrequent wins.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple game symbol weighting sets that favor certain symbols for increased chances of hitting winning combinations while maintaining the same payout percentage, allowing for random selection of these sets to populate reel strips and evaluate winning combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple special game symbols are added to reel strips to define additional winning combinations, then the array of winning symbol combinations is increased, but the probabilities of achieving these winning combinations are diluted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reel strip configurations where the set of game symbols and their associated probabilities can be changed between different play modes. The system can switch between a first set of game symbols with first probabilities and a second set of game symbols with second probabilities, allowing the probability distribution to adapt based on the current play state rather than being fixed throughout the entire game session.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of symbol probability distribution by implementing multiple probability sets that can be selected based on game conditions. When certain conditions are met (such as triggering a bonus round or free play), the system transitions from one probability distribution to another, thereby adjusting the likelihood of various symbol combinations without changing the physical reel structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If special themed game symbols are used to define additional winning combinations, then more winning combinations are available, but these combinations may be achieved so infrequently that players become discouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the probability distribution of game symbols based on the current play state. When normal play conditions exist, one probability set is applied; when bonus or free play conditions are triggered, a different probability set is applied that increases the frequency of winning combinations. This dynamic adjustment ensures that special themed symbols appear frequently enough during bonus rounds to maintain player interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple probability sets in advance and selects which set to apply based on predicted or actual game conditions. By having pre-configured probability distributions for different play modes, the system can quickly transition to appropriate probability sets when conditions change, ensuring that winning combinations are achieved at appropriate frequencies without requiring complex real-time calculations.
3Productivity
If different game symbol weighting sets are applied to increase the chance of hitting certain symbols, then the frequency of winning combinations increases, but the complexity of the game system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probability configuration into distinct, pre-defined sets that are stored in memory. Each probability set corresponds to a specific play mode or condition. Rather than implementing a complex continuous probability adjustment system, the patent uses discrete probability sets that can be selected and applied as whole units, simplifying the control logic while maintaining the ability to adjust symbol frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copies of the same reel strip structure with different probability assignments. The physical or virtual reel strips remain identical, but multiple probability sets are stored as data copies that can be applied to the same reel structure. This allows the system to change symbol frequencies without changing the underlying reel mechanics or structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple different game symbol weighting sets are defined for selection in a given play of a reel-type game. Each game symbol weighting set defines a probability of each reel strip in the reel-type game landing at each particular stop position for that reel strip. By providing multiple different game symbol weighting sets, certain game symbols such as special themed game symbols may be favored for one or more plays of the game to increase the chance of hitting winning symbol combinations using that game symbol.